NY Times: Israeli Shimon Peres to Press Obama on Spy

The Associated Press - The New York Times - February 26, 2013

JERUSALEM (AP) - President Shimon Peres of Israel said on Tuesday that he would lead an effort during President Obama's coming visit to press for the release of the convicted spy Jonathan Pollard, ending one of the most painful episodes between the two allies.

Mr. Pollard was sentenced to life in prison in 1987 for passing classified material to Israel. He is said to be in poor health, and his case has become a rallying cry in Israel.

But stiff opposition from the American military and intelligence community has deterred a string of American presidents from releasing him.

More than 65,000 Israelis have signed a petition calling on Mr. Obama to free Mr. Pollard, the Facebook page of the United States Embassy in Israel has been flooded with pardon requests, and a nationwide campaign began urging Mr. Peres to push for Mr. Pollard's release.

Mr. Peres said he would raise the issue in a meeting with Mr. Obama, calling for Mr. Pollard's release "on humanitarian grounds."

Note: This article was published in print version February 27, 2013, page A12 and titled Israeli to Press Obama on Spy